Listen to Best Sellers Audiobooks in Classics, British Literature Best Sellers

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Title: Sorrell and Son

Author: Warwick Deeping

Narrator: Peter Newcombe Joyce

Format: Unabridged

Length: 17 hrs and 32 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-10-17

Publisher: Assembled Stories

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Captain Stephen Sorrell returns from the First World War decorated with the Military Cross but unnerved by the conflict. His mercenary wife has deserted him for 'one of the fellows who stayed behind' and left him responsible for their son, Christopher. A promised position in an antique shop fails to materialise, and Sorrell faces poverty.

Despite losing status, he takes a job as a hotel porter, cleaning shoes and carrying luggage. Thus begins the long climb to financial security - his aim, the best education possible for Christopher to achieve a career that means he will never suffer his father's fate and, in time, that 'Kit' will enjoy a happy and fulfilling marriage.

The bond between father and son weathers many a crisis in an uncertain Britain where the class system is eroding and sexual morality, in the '30s, appears to be a thing of the past! A million best seller when it was first published, Sorrell and Son continues to enthral its audience, a most heartwarming story of one man's sacrifice and love for his child.

Members Reviews:

One of my favorites

I read this book because I came upon the DVD (which I now own) in the library. His writing is superb, and lyrical at times.An intelligent, hardworking single dad who deals with all that life throws at him head on in a selfless way. One who loves his son unconditionally. A dad (or mom) a lot of us wish we had had.

Sorrell and Son's "Be All You Can Be"

This intriguing story takes place in England in the early twentieth century. This book was about a man who devoted his life to making his son's life a success. So many deep intellectual questions are asked, but not necessarily answered about life, marriage,love, career and relationships between father and son, husband and wife, and life in general. Definetly food for thought. He wanted his son to be more than just a worker. He wanted him to be someone special. This story has a surprise and delightful ending.

Sorrel and Son

Sorrel and Son was a book I read when I was 30yrs. old and now I am 71 yrs. of age. That book helped me to be close to my only child daughter from her young age. That was an example how a parent could be a confidant to a child. That way I developed a bond between my daughter and myself. Today for her and for me the best friend we have is each other. Indeed the book which was purchased from you came in good condition. Again I wanted to read it but could not find it anywhere except in your book store. I am glad you preserved such a valuable book for me to purchase it. I can give my opinion to all parents who read this to purchase this novel and follow and example to your children so that you can become the best friends of your children. It was invaluable to me when I was young. I thank Warwick Deepani for creating those characters which could be so close to our lives. May he rest in peace. I love him as an author. I purchased this book through Amazon.com from worldofbooksusa.

Review

An old book that was delivered as advertised and in the condition advertised.

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Title: The Poor Relation's Story

Author: Charles Dickens

Narrator: Michael Page

Format: Unabridged

Length: 25 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-05-17

Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Originally published in the 1852 Christmas edition of Dickens' journal Household Words, "The Poor Relation's Story" takes place during a Christmas feast where a poor relation of the host tells the story of his life. This version of "The Poor Relation's Story" was recorded as part of Dreamscape's The Christmas Stories of Charles Dickens.

Members Reviews:

Plot and Structure Essay

Michael, the main character in, "The Poor Relation's Story" by Charles Dickens, is a male between the ages of 59 and 60. However, the exposition is scattered throughout the story. Michael and his family view Michael as nobody's enemy but his own, which is the complication that begins the growth of the conflict. Michael feels as though he has failed at everything; his business, love life, and his expectations that others had for him have all been unsuccessful. Michael lives on a limited income, he resides in a little room in lodging on Clapham Road and spends his days wandering solitarily about, going from coffee shops to relations or acquaintances homes, to dinner, and then back to his room. Michael seems to be a solitary man, who is lonely and lacks self-esteem. His only companion is his first cousins son, Little Frank, whom is a lot like Michael. Michael and Little Frank have a good bond and would spend their time happily together, both mutually affectionate towards one another without even having to say much to one another.

However, Little Franks mother contested to their closeness, which I believe to be the major conflict in the story. Little Frank's mother tells Michael that he "can see him [Little Frank] from a distance . . . without his [Little Frank] seeing me [Michael]." Michael's only non-valuable treasure that he has, which is a miniature of a bright faced boy, is his dying wish to give to Little Frank, along with a note with advice and warning of the consequences of being nobody's enemy but your own.

A minor character, John, whom hosts the Christmas party, in which all of the "respected members of the family" attend, is rich and well respected. It is awkward for Michael for the family to beg him to start the "round of stories" by the campfire, for Michael is hesitant yet does as he is asked; only stating that his confession will surprise the entire family.

Michael's confession is the climax of the story, when Michael was living with his rich uncle Chill, he proclaimed his love for Christiana whom was the daughter of a friend that Chill knew well. Uncle Chill thought of Michael as a fool, for he had no riches to provide a proper lifestyle for a wife so he kicked him out of his home.

Further into the climax Michael recalls his past, stating that it didn't matter his wealth; Christiana and he married and lived in a castle which became their beloved home that all of their children were born into. Michael's business had grown and given him enough financial means to be comfortable and he was strong because he had Christiana's heart.

However, the quick gut-wrenching resolution to the story is that Michaels "castle" and all that entails lives "in the air". The twist in the story shows readers that if you can imagine yourself happy, you truly can be; even when your lifestyle is unpleasant it is you who can decide how it affects your outlook on life.

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Title: Bleak House

Author: Charles Dickens

Narrator: Paul Scofield

Format: Abridged

Length: 3 hrs and 1 min

Language: English

Release date: 08-07-17

Publisher: Raffin

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Charles Dickens, at the height of his creative powers in this great work, pursues two great themes: the murky institutional fog that darkens and cripples all of England, symbolized by the endless litigation of the Jarndyce vs. Jarndyce case in the High Court of Chancery, and the familiar Dickensian concern with the capricious treatment and maltreatment of children as exemplified by the pitiful castoff Jo and the overindulged Harold Skimpole. The story that carries these themes takes the form of a compelling mystery, a romantic tangle of trails followed by three vivid sleuths: the opportunistic Guppy, the sinister Tulkinghorn, and the benevolent Bucket. Only through the skill of Dickens can artfully constructed mystery so intensify and illuminate stringent social commentary. This portrait of London society is often regarded as Dickens' best.

Members Reviews:

Five Stars

Great story, great cast of characters, I plan on looking at it again, love these kinds of good stories.

I can see why this was Charles Dickens personal favorite.

I find the Kindle to be the perfect way to connect with the age old classics (especially when used in the text to speech mode).

In this story young David starts his life six months after the death of his father. His mother is of good character who unfortunately falls under the spell of the charms of a harsh man Murdstone who has an equally despicable sister. Young David is then forced from his home, loving mother and faithful nurse when he is sent first to a harsh boarding school and then to factory work in London. Despite this ill treatment as well as many others, Copperfield remains good nurtured.

Dickens always wrote well rounded characters who often encountered true to life difficulty and abuse from those serving their own bent. Often these characters will meet their just deserts by the stories end. How the main characters learn from these trials is something lacking from much of today's fiction.

Beautiful, flawed

Over long by about 70000 words, David Copperfield nonetheless packs a number of punches along the way. Best line in the book: 'Janet! Donkeys!' Funny, exciting, heartbreaking, plodding, boring, thrilling -- this is the stuff of life in all it's facets.

No quibbles. This is a wonderful version of the novel.

A beautiful filmed telling of this brilliant novel, possibly the best by Dickens thanks to its many believable characters (the flat vs. round discussion aside) and slowly building, suspenseful plot that manages to be both tragic and comic. Armstrong is perfect as Lady Dedlock, but Esther and Jarndyce and Guppy and Woodcourt and Miss Flyte etc. are also exactly as imagined! If you haven't already watched *all* of this rendition of Bleak House, we are jealous that you have it ahead of you!

A timeless classic

David Copperfield is a narrative piece written in the voice of an autobiography that takes you on a colorful journey with the title character, beginning with his harrowing birth and childhood. He instantly attaches you to himself by his earnestness and genuine nature. The fascinating characters that surround his story keep the reader enganged throughout the tale. The character development is so complete that you will close the book feeling like you have a new set of associations and are better for it.

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Title: The Nonsense of Lear and Phantasmagoria and More

Author: Edward Lear, Lewis Carroll

Narrator: Flo Gibson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 3 hrs and 53 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-25-17

Publisher: Audio Book Contractors, LLC

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

The whimsy, fantasy, and absurd humor in Lear's limericks, poems, songs, and stories are ageless in their appeal to young and old alike. Lewis Carroll's "Phantasmagoria", a not-too-terribly-frightening ghost story, adds to the fun. Also included are the following poems by Carroll: "Echoes", "A Sea Dirge", "Ye Carpette Knyghte", "Hiawatha's Photographing", "Melancholetta", "A Valentine", "The Three Voices", "Theme with Variations", "A Game of Fives", "Poeta Fit, Non Nascitur", "Sighs and Tears", "Atlanta in Camden-Town", "The Long Coortin' ", "Four Riddles", and "Fame's Penny-Trumpet".

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Title: Mrs. Zant and the Ghost, the Original Short Story

Author: Wilkie Collins

Narrator: Jennifer Dixon

Format: Unabridged

Length: 1 hr and 38 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-23-17

Publisher: Essential Audiobooks LLC

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Supernatural short story written especially for the young Anne (Nannie) Wynne. It was originally published as "The Ghost's Touch" in The Irish Fireside, 30 September-14 October 1885; Harper's Weekly, 23 October 1885; and in The Ghost's Touch and Other Stories (with "My Lady's Money" and "Percy and the Prophet", Harper's Handy Series, no. 30, 1885).

William Wilkie Collins (1824-1889), was born in London's Marylebone where he lived more or less continuously for 65 years. Today he is best known for The Moonstone (1868), often regarded as the first true detective novel, and The Woman in White (1860), the archetypal sensation novel. During his lifetime, however, he wrote over 30 major books, well over a hundred articles, short stories and essays, and a dozen or more plays.

He lived an unconventional, Bohemian lifestyle, loved good food and wine to excess, wore flamboyant clothes, travelled abroad frequently, formed long-term relationships with two women but married neither, and took vast quantities of opium over many years to relieve the symptoms of ill health. Collins's circle of friends included many preeminent figures of the day. He knew the major writers, particularly Charles Dickens with whom he regularly collaborated, as well as a host of minor novelists. His friends and acquaintances included some of the foremost artists, playwrights, theatrical personalities, musicians, publishers, physicians and society figures of the time. Collins's unorthodox lifestyle reveals a cynical regard for the Victorian establishment. This view is reflected in his books together with a sense of humor and a profound understanding for many of the then prevailing social injustices.

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Title: The New Annotated Dracula

Author: Bram Stoker

Narrator: Gregg Rizzo

Format: Unabridged

Length: 16 hrs and 7 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-09-17

Publisher: Essential Audiobooks LLC

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Dracula is an 1897 Gothic horror novel by Irish author Bram Stoker. Famous for introducing the character of the vampire Count Dracula, the novel tells the story of Dracula's attempt to move from Transylvania to England so he may find new blood and spread the undead curse. It then relates the epic battle between Dracula and a small group of men and women led by Professor Abraham Van Helsing.

Narrated by Gregg Rizzo.

Abraham "Bram" Stoker (1847-1912) was an Irish author, best known today for his 1897 Gothic novel, Dracula. During his lifetime, he was better known as the personal assistant of actor Henry Irving and of the business manager of the Lyceum Theatre in London, which Irving owned.

Members Reviews:

Real vampires don't sparkle.

Bram Stoker's Dracula is one of the most famous books ever written, and this volume carries invaluable insight into the world of Dracula and vampires.

For example: Did you know that staking a vampire just immobilizes it?

This is a must have for every vampire fan.

The best Dracula to buy

The best Dracula to buy. I have given copies of this annotated version to friends. It is very detailed and very well-researched.

Five Stars

Hard to find thc classic ! Had to have for my library!!

Great book

The annotated version of this book offered background information and an added understanding of the story. The hardcover is very nice. Very well done book.

The new Annotated Dracula

This was my favorite book whenn i ws younger and still read it when I have the time..This a good work and needs to be in any home who Dracula.A+.

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Title: Miss or Mrs.?

Author: Wilkie Collins

Narrator: Flo Gibson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 2 hrs and 56 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-15-17

Publisher: Audio Book Contractors, LLC

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

In this fast-paced novella, we encounter attempted murder, a clandestine marriage, and fraud.

Members Reviews:

Okay book.

This book starts off very slowly and is at times tedious and boring, but if you stick with it the plot builds nicely. I notice that this is often the case with classic books.

Basically, this book is about a 38yr old man about to marry a 15-16 year old girl in about 1880 England. The girl wants none of it, she wants her cousin who is in his early 20s. She is weak and afraid to upset her father. She is convinced to marry the cousin secretly through posting of the banns in a remote area where no one will know to contest the marriage. Apparently there is an abduction law for girls under 15 so she cant leave with her new husband. Basically, she is left the last month of her 15th year with her father who is still actively planning the marriage to the older sea captain.

Turns out the sea captain has a shady past and is now in some financial mess. He is very suspicious and knows, but cant prove, that something is going on between the cousins. He needs to marry her for her dowry, not just because he covets her. In an attempt to control things, he invites the family out to his country home. There are attempted murders as the plot thickens. The last 20% of the book is quite interesting. I wont actually spoil it all for those who want to read this book.

Not Willies best work

Disappointed in this particular work. Have read many if his other works with delight, but this one was lacking the good Wilkie touch.

Not really my style

Not the type of story I have an interest. I'm sure there are others out there who will appreciate the authors topic.

A strong yes vote for this writer and this story.

Of course any writing done so long ago was in a fashion which does not sit entirely in keeping with the style of today. But it is clear why Dickens said he aspired to be as good a writer as Wilkie Collins. Lovely writing, and a great story if old fashioned. A light and pleasurable to read.

To be married or not to be married

Nice, rather short story from the Victorian age. Paints an accurate and interesting picture of the moral code of that period.

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Title: Love and Mr Lewisham

Author: H.G. Wells

Narrator: Anthony Ogus

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 41 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-31-17

Publisher: Paperless

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Love and Mr Lewisham (subtitled The Story of a Very Young Couple) is a 1900 novel set in the 1880s by H. G. Wells. It was among his first fictional writings outside the science fiction genre. Wells took considerable pains over the manuscript and said that "the writing was an altogether more serious undertaking than I have ever done before." He later included it in a 1933 anthology, Stories of Men and Women in Love.

Members Reviews:

Wells and a Dark Horse of a Story.

Published in 1900, HG Wells `Love and Mr. Lewisham' recants the story of a man falling in love, out of love and all of it's associated woes. I find this a very fitting piece of work to represent both the ever occurring, very likely universal human experience. I am, appropriately, somewhat serendipitously, finishing this at a very difficult time in what was once an incredibly fulfilling relationship. Thereby I can relate to the work completely on an emotional level. Major / minor motifs include: socialism, deception as a societal norm / impression, the emotional struggles of marriage, the line between right and wrong, and linked to that - a general sense of epistemology, specifically what is true. Five stars, my favorite this year, a complete dark horse.

Possible SPOILERS:

Lewisham, a young man with a set `schema' - educational goals, accomplishments and desired achievements - is sure he has his plans all worked out, this is until he is disrupted by a young woman. Courting her briefly she soon steps out of his life and he again resumes his schema (with Socialism being a major motif).

Two and a half years later he encounters Ethel (the aforementioned young woman) at a séance. She is part-taking in the ruse under her step-father's tutelage and this disgusts Lewisham (he's a huge proponent of `right' and `wrong', with deception for monetary gain being clearly `wrong').

As the relationship progresses Lewisham marries Ethel to take her away from the life of debauchery and dishonesty she's trying to be cast into. Gradually, after the lofty feelings of the honey-moon phase have subsided and it's `down to business', the world regains its hefty weight and Lewisham finds his feelings ebbing toward Ethel. Accusations are made, bitter words are exchanged, things that shouldn't be said in fact, are. Hurt enters the picture. Emotions flip-flop back and forth from anger to remorse and guilt and back again.

Discussing the state of the world with Chaffery (Ethel's step-father) he is informed that `the essential nature of lies and deception of the body politic' (1656) is what keeps the civility amongst the human population; makes the world turn.

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Title: Agnes Grey

Author: Anne Brontë

Narrator: Libby Gohn

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 59 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-02-17

Publisher: Paperless

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Agnes Grey is the debut novel of English author Anne Bronte (writing under the pen name of Acton Bell), first published in December 1847, and republished in a second edition in 1850. The novel follows Agnes Grey, a governess, as she works within families of the English gentry. Scholarship and comments by Anne's sister Charlotte Bronte suggest the novel is largely based on Anne Bronte's own experiences as a governess for five years. Like her sister Charlotte's novel Jane Eyre, it addresses what the precarious position of governess entailed and how it affected a young woman.

The choice of central character allows Anne to deal with issues of oppression and abuse of women and governesses, isolation and ideas of empathy. An additional theme is the fair treatment of animals. "Agnes Grey" also mimics some of the stylistic approaches of bildungsromans, employing ideas of personal growth and coming to age, but representing a character who in fact does not gain in virtue.

The Irish novelist George Moore praised Agnes Grey as "the most perfect prose narrative in English letters", and went so far as to compare Anne's prose to that of Jane Austen. Modern critics have made more subdued claims admiring Agnes Grey with a less overt praise of Bronte's work than Moore.

Members Reviews:

Although I quite enjoyed the characters

After reading 'Wutherig Heights' and 'Jane Eyre', I found this rather tame reading. Although I quite enjoyed the characters, on the whole the novel lacked spark. A happy, rather predictable ending.

Sweet and lovely

After reading the works of her sisters, I was pleasantly surprised to find no gothic or dark themes in this book at all. Agnes Grey is a lovely book that I read with eagerness and finished with remorse. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

I have enjoyed reading the Bronte sisters

I was intrigued to find this book by Anne Bronte. I have enjoyed reading the Bronte sisters, but I had not heard of this book. The forward gives lots of interesting information including the fact that this was actually written before Charlotte's "Jane Eyre", which publishers were more interested in. It is somewhat autobiographical. There is one scene of violence against animals, but it isn't too graphic. Suffice it to say that Agnes Grey's charges were definitely hellions, but there is a happy ending for her.

The only avenue for poor, single women was the role of governess

The interesting angle of this book is the issue of the treatment of women in those early times before women's rights were established. The only avenue for poor, single women was the role of governess, which turned out to be somewhat like indentured servanthood. The realistic portrayal of the spoiled children of the rich was quite effective, no doubt due to the author's personal experience as a governess. And the pressure on women to marry for position (with often tragic results, as in the case of Rose) was due to women having so few choices. But the portrayal of the heroine's love is melodramatic, in my opinion. I didn't find her realistic for any historical period. She was the idealized version of the times, no doubt: all humility, self-effacement, reticent in her dealings with her beloved. I wanted to push her to say something to him to him to let him know she had some feeling for him!

Not as passionate as Jane Eyre

Enjoyable but not as addictive as her sister's writing .

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Title: Robin Hood and His Adventures

Author: Paul Creswick

Narrator: Jack Chekijian

Format: Abridged

Length: 6 hrs and 4 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-16-16

Publisher: Spoken Realms

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

This abridgment of Paul Creswick's retelling of the tales of Robin Hood is a journey through forests and fiefdoms in the company of merry outlaws, ladies of court, and stalwart knights. As Robin awaits the return of England's rightful king from war, the Sheriff of Nottingham and his cronies attempt to hunt down the bandit and his men thriving in Sherwood Forest.